Benedetta Capelli, Piotr Kowalczuk – Vatican
Mothers of the fallen and missing
Particularly moving was the meeting in Fastiv with mothers who have lost their sons in the war or are still waiting for news of their fate. The women shared their pain and experiences of the war with the papal almoner. They spoke about their sons while showing their photos on their phones. At the local center, they receive support from psychologists and volunteers who help them cope with loss and uncertainty.
The ministry of Mother Teresa’s sisters
The meeting in Fastiv was preceded by a visit to Kyiv, which had been the target of Russian missile and drone attacks the previous night. The Vatican delegation visited the home of the Missionaries of Charity. The sisters provide shelter, food, and daily care to 50 people in need. Among them are internally displaced persons from areas occupied by Russia, people with disabilities, and the poorest. The assistance provided by the Pope will support the facility’s continued operations.
The almoner was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, and Massimo Ralli from the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Together with those under their care, they recited the Lord’s Prayer in Ukrainian and listened to their stories.
The work of the Vincentians
The delegation also visited the Depaul Ukraine center, run by the Vincentian Fathers of the Congregation of the Mission. People forced to leave their homes find shelter there, as well as opportunities to find work and participate in training. For many, this is a chance to start life anew.
The facility operates thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of the Holy See. It also runs a soup kitchen and organizes humanitarian aid. Thanks to priests, volunteers, and donors, shipments of food, clothing, and medicine reach those in need, including near the front lines.
Concrete signs of mercy
During the four-day visit, the delegation traveled approximately 2,800 kilometers in three days and visited 12 Latin and Greek Catholic Church facilities. It met with priests, volunteers, refugees, children without parental care, and the sick and disabled.
Papal aid was handed over to each of the visited communities, which will allow them to continue their work for those in need.
